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Emotional tributes to Ashford driver Ian Parker who died in crash with tractor on country road in Wichling between Lenham and Doddington

Ian Parker, from Ashford, died in a crash in Wichling
Ian Parker, from Ashford, died in a crash in Wichling

Devastated family and friends have paid tribute to an Ashford man who was killed in a crash with a tractor on a country road.

They said 29-year-old valeting company owner Ian Parker, of Kent Avenue, would be remembered for his sense of humour and kindness.

Nicola Penfold, his girlfriend of seven years, wrote an emotional message to her late partner on Facebook two days after his death describing how much he meant to her and her daughter Leah.

Ms Penfold, who went to North School with Mr Parker, said: "You were mine and Leah's world, you were our life.

"You gave us such happy times and such happy memories. Being with you for seven years were the best seven years of my life.

"You came across as a big tough nut but deep down you were a big softie.

"Sorry you didn't want people to know that but it's true and I know that you are keeping me and Leah safe and looking down on us and being so so proud of us as we are trying to be strong.

"Love you to the moon and back. Sleep tight until we meet again."

Mr Parker was driving his blue Citroen Saxo along Faversham Road in Wichling, a village between Lenham and Doddington, when it collided with a green John Deere tractor just before 10am on Sunday.

His cousin Gina Jackson said she was constantly thinking of him, adding: "You will be missed. Always in our hearts. Goodnight Ian."

The crash happened in Faversham Road, Wichling
The crash happened in Faversham Road, Wichling

Tayley Penfold, the niece of Mr Parker's partner, thanked him for making her aunt so happy.

She said: "You were such a nice person and we've all had some funny memories with you."

"You came across as a big tough nut but deep down you were a big softie..." - girlfriend Nicola Penfold

Friend and former colleague Daniel Lernihan posted a photo of himself and Mr Parker in fancy dress and described him as "a really nice bloke", who he shared "funny times" with.

The former South Kent College student was a keen motorsports fan and cited former British rally champion Colin McRae as one of his idols.

He had run his own company - IP Valeting, Vehicle Servicing and Maintenance - for more than 18 months.

Mr Parker leaves parents Robert and Janet, brother Ross and partner Nicola.

He died at the scene close to Woodside Green. The tractor, which was pulling a blue trailer, was travelling from Doddington.

The fatal crash happened on Faversham Road at Wychling
The fatal crash happened on Faversham Road at Wychling

The road was closed for five hours while police examined the area.

Officers are now appealing for witnesses to the crash to come forward.

They are particularly interested in speaking to the driver of a Ford Ranger Wildtrack that was black on top and tan or brown below and was pulling an Ifor Williams trailer.


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